"Go, Alpha!" Ava urged, her voice raw but resolute. She moved swiftly, her small frame placing itself between him and his mate, her stance unyielding despite the tremor in her hands. "Your pack needs you! I'll protect them!"
Sylas hesitated, his instincts warring within him. His wolf roared in defiance, unwilling to leave his mate and child. But Ava's piercing gaze held him steady, and he saw in her a reflection of the unwavering loyalty that bound their pack.
"I won't let anything happen to them," Ava continued, her voice softening just enough to carry reassurance. She reached for the dagger strapped to her thigh, drawing it with determined precision. The blade gleamed in the dim light, a lethal promise. "Your pack needs you."
The Luna looked up at Ava, her lips parting as if to protest, but no words came. The burden of her terror silenced her. Instead, she clutched her daughter closer, her arms forming an impenetrable cocoon around the tiny, wailing child.
